The province is investing in a number of crime prevention and community outreach programs as part of Crime Prevention month.
On Wednesday, October 31, 2018, Justice Minister Cliff Cullen announced more than $220,000 for the ongoing work of the Crime Stoppers program as well as other crime prevention programs led by the RCMP.
“We are proud to partner with Crime Stoppers, police agencies and community members to ensure they have everything they need to keep Manitobans safe,” said Cullen.
As part of the contribution to Winnipeg Crime Stoppers, the province will be handing over a vehicle that was forfeited as proceeds of crime. This donation marks the first time a vehicle has been donated through the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund.
Funding to the RCMP will allow three young people and their chaperones to attend the Manitoba Criminal Justice Association crime prevention workshop in Winnipeg on November 2, 2018. This workshop gives participants the opportunity to share concerns from communities, exchange ideas and learn about crime prevention strategies.
“Crime prevention is so important to what we do,” said Assistant Commissioner Scott Kolody, commanding officer of the RCMP in Manitoba. “The ability to reach youth and help them establish strong foundations and community relationships before they get involved in high-risk behaviours is a win for everyone.”
Other RCMP crime prevention and community safety initiatives funded through the criminal property forfeiture fund this year include:
• $12,000 for youth involved in the Duke of Edinburgh program, designed to help those who have been in contact with the law make more positive life choices through outdoor activities, art and music;
• $55,500 to support a partnership between Girl Guides of Canada and Shamattawa First Nation, which ensured 35 girls aged six to eight and their chaperones could attend a summer camp focused on mentorship, leadership and empowerment;
• $10,000 to support the Liberty FC soccer team in Winnipeg with equipment and related costs, creating a positive opportunity for recent newcomers to participate in sport and the community;
• $8,200 to provide the Walk Away, Ignore, Talk It Out, Seek Help (WITS) anti-bullying program for children in kindergarten to Grade 6 to eight schools next spring;
• $18,000 to purchase and distribute 600 bicycle helmets to students at OK Elementary School in Nelson House; and
• $16,000 to support a multi-day canoe trip for youth in Cross Lake to establish stronger connections within the community and help participants build self-confidence and promote respect for themselves, elders, the outdoors and the community.
© 2018 News 4
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